Warning Signs of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer develops from abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue or throat. With early detection, oral cancer has a high rate of successful treatment. Those at greatest risk are typically over the age of 45, but regardless of your age, ask about oral cancer screening at your next routine teeth cleaning if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Discoloured patches in your mouth or on your lips, ranging from white to dark red.
- Unfamiliar lumps or unusual changes in texture.
- Canker sores that won’t heal, numb patches or persistent bleeding.
- An unusual feeling tongue, changes in taste and difficulty swallowing.
The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Several behaviours and conditions, including poorly fitting dentures, are linked to a higher risk of oral cancer. These include:
- Smoking or using tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco.
- Heavy or moderately heavy alcohol consumption, especially combined with tobacco.
- Possible human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the mouth.
- Excessive sun exposure, or a lifestyle involving lots of time in the sun.
- A poor diet or poor eating habits.
- Family history of oral cancer.
- Oral cancer is more common in men than in women.
- A history of leukoplakia, a thick, whitish patch that develops inside the mouth.
Oral Cancer Screening, Treatment and Prevention
Treatment plans are made on a case by case basis, depending heavily on the severity, type and location of the suspected cancer.
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
The goal of an oral cancer screening is early detection of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. During the exam, your dentist checks the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches or suspicious sores. Your dentist will also feel the tissues in your mouth for lumps or odd textures, and may feel the outside of your throat and neck for lumps as well.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If signs of cancer show up during your oral cancer screening, you may be asked to undergo further testing such as a biopsy, where a small piece of suspicious tissue is removed for lab analysis, or imaging tests like x-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans or an MRI. Removing confirmed tumours may require surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
You can take steps now to help prevent oral cancer later. To reduce your risk of oral cancer, see your dentist regularly for routine dental exams, avoid tobacco products and drink alcohol in moderation, limit direct sun exposure and use UV protective lip balm, eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and during your regular brushing and flossing routine, check your mouth for signs or symptoms so you can report any concerns to your dentist right away.
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to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
While oral cancer is more common after age 45, dentists often start screening adult patients in their twenties and thirties, especially if risk factors like tobacco or alcohol use are present.
If you have any risk factors for oral cancer, it’s a smart idea to request an oral cancer screening during your next routine dental exam and cleaning. If you’ve noticed an unusually coloured or textured patch, a lump or a suspicious sore in your mouth, please book an appointment right away to get it checked out.
During your oral cancer screening, your dentist examines your lips and the inside of your mouth, including your cheeks, gums and all sides of your tongue. They will also gently feel for any lumps or unusual textures, along with checking your face, jaw, throat and neck for tenderness.
Early oral cancer often appears as small, usually painless, flat patches that can look red, white, grey or yellow with red edges. These patches can develop anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue or roof of the mouth. As a good rule of thumb, have anything that looks or feels unusual checked out by your dentist or doctor.
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